ES2694113T3 - Clamping device with reusable insert part - Google Patents

Abstract

A clamping device (111) comprising: (a) a pawl (115, 145) shaped to include an elongate strap acceptance channel (143), the pawl (115, 145) comprising a locking peg (145) which is arranged to protrude in the belt acceptance channel (143); (b) a strap (113) having a first end (119) and a second end (121), the first end (119) being formed on the pawl (115), the strap (113) being dimensioned for insertion into the pawl (115). the belt acceptance channel (143) in such a way that the clamping device (111) forms a closed loop, the belt (113) being adapted to engage with the locking pin (145) when the clamping device (111) it is formed in a closed loop; and (c) an opening head (117) formed on at least one of the pawl (115, 145) and the belt (113), the opening head comprising (i) a platform (151) shaped to define a transverse opening (157), (ii) a support member (159) formed on the platform (151), and (iii) a first retaining wing (161-1) pivotally coupled to the support member (159), wherein at least a portion of the first detent wing (161-1) extends through the transverse aperture (157) in the platform (151), characterized in that the platform (151) is formed on and extends orthogonally outward from an outer end wall (137) of the head (115).

Description

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

DESCRIPTION

Clamping device with reusable interleaved clamping element Field of the invention

The present invention relates, in general, to fastening devices, such as cable ties and more specifically to cable ties that include a fastening device designed for an insert fit through an opening in a panel.

Background of the invention

Fastening devices such as cable ties, also commonly known as packaging ties and wiring devices, are well known devices that are widely used in the art to couple together a plurality of elongated objects, such as a group of wires or cables parallel. A type of fastening device which is well known and commonly used in the art comprises an elongated strap which is fixed, at one of its ends, to a perforated head. The free end of the elongated strap usually has a shape that defines a tail of reduced width to facilitate insertion through the pierced head. A plurality of serrated edges, or teeth, are formed along a surface of the elongated belt along most of its length. In addition, an inner ratchet, or locking pin, is disposed within the pierced head and is adapted to sequentially engage the serrated edges in the belt.

A fastening device of the type described above is commonly used in the following manner to group together a plurality of parallel wires. Specifically, with the plurality of wires grouped together, the elongated strap of the fastening device winds around the bundle of wires and is formed in a closed loop by inserting the free end of the toothed belt through the pierced head. With the clamping device formed in a closed loop, the free end of the toothed belt is advanced through the perforated head to firmly cinch the clamping device around the bundle, with the inner ratchet locking in a locked manner the serrated edges of the beam. strap to prevent it from being removed or retracted, from the perforated head strap. In this way, the engagement of the inner ratchet on the toothed belt fixes the cable tie in its closed loop configuration around the cable bundle.

In certain applications, it is desirable to retain a group of bundled cables with a fastening device such as a cable tie securely against a flat surface. In particular, in the automotive industry, it is often desirable to retain a group of electrical wires clustered with a cable tie securely against an automotive panel in order to (i) direct the beam away from a region of the vehicle where it may be susceptible of being damaged (e.g., by extreme heat or sharp objects), and / or (ii) preventing the beam from moving (i.e., shaking) within the car body during vehicle operation.

Accordingly, fastening devices, such as cable ties are commonly provided with an interleaved workpiece clamping device, or push assembly, which is designed for tight fitting through an opening in an automotive panel for the purpose of Fix the beam to the panel. Interleaved fastening devices are commonly constructed in a variety of different configurations.

A well-known style of interleaved fastening device is often referred to in the art as an arrowhead type fastening device, due to its head-like arrow configuration. Examples of cable ties with arrowhead type fastening devices are shown in U.S. Patent No. 8,282,047 to J.R. Franks and in U.S. Patent No. 5,333,822 to J.C. Benoit, et al.

An arrowhead tip fastening device typically includes a pair of opposite wings, or paddles, the inner end of each blade being fixedly mounted to a support structure, such as a common rod. The free ends of the pair of blades are designed to extend outward in opposite directions and are capable of deviating inwardly upon receiving adequate force thereon.

In this way, a fastening device with an arrowhead type fastening device can be fixed to a flat surface simply by pushing the head of fastening device through an opening in the surface. Specifically, referring now to FIGS. 1 (a) - (c), there is shown a clamping device of the prior art 11 with an arrowhead clamping device head 13 in various stages of insertion of the head of the device. arrowhead clamping 13 through an opening 15 in a substantially flat panel 17. As can be seen in Figure 1 (a), the tip 19 of the clamping device head 13 is inserted backward through the opening 15. in the direction from the front surface 17-1 of the panel towards the rear surface 17-2 of the panel 17, as represented by the arrow A. Due to the deflectable nature of the wings 21-1 and 21-2, the force towards back applied on the clamping device head 13 causes the part of the panel 17 that immediately defines the opening 15 to compress the head 13 as far as necessary to penetrate through

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

of opening 15, as shown in figure 1 (b). Once the wings 21-1 and 21-2 fully penetrate through the opening 15, the head 13 of the clamping device expands elastically back to its original configuration, as shown in Figure 1 (c). In this way, the wings 21 rest directly against the rear surface 17-2 to prevent the fastening device 13 from being withdrawn or retracted from the panel 17. At the same time, a support member 23 in the form of an expandable basket or one or more arcuate tabs applies a deviation force against the front surface 17-1 to firmly hold the clamping device head 13 in engagement with the panel 17.

During the life of a vehicle, it is often necessary to separate a bundle of cables or harness from an automotive panel (for example, for maintenance or to access other components). In order to remove an arrowhead type fastening device from the panel opening and thus allow the separation of the cable bundle from the panel, traditional cable ties, such as the cable tie 11, require the operator to manually exert a inward compression force on the exposed outer surfaces of the deflectable wings of the fastening device. While a compression force is maintained inwardly on the clamping device that is sufficient to disengage the deflectable wings of the panel, the clamping device is removed from the panel opening. Once the necessary task is completed, the elastic construction of the clamping device allows its re-insertion through the opening in the panel.

However, it should be understood that the exposed outer surfaces of the deflectable wings of an arrowhead type fastening device often become inaccessible to the user. In particular, the user normally has limited access behind an automotive panel, since the rear of the panel, in general, is enclosed by another part of the automobile, such as the vehicle body, a fabric layer or other similar element. . Furthermore, at least a part of the cable tie normally covers the opening from the front side of the panel and, therefore, similarly makes the deflected wings inaccessible from the front of the panel.

Because the user is not provided with means to access an arrowhead fastening device attached to an automotive panel, removal of the panel fastening device is normally accomplished by severing, or otherwise permanently destroying, the device. of restraint. As a result, the user can not reuse the fastening device, which, in turn, makes the aspects related to automotive maintenance unnecessarily complicated and costly.

WO 2011/007526 A1 discloses a band clip that can be easily separated from a vehicle panel. The band clip fixes a wire harness to a vehicle panel in which a hook hole is formed, comprising: a clip body in which a band insertion hole is formed; a band section with a base end thereof that attaches to the clip body and a tip end thereof is inserted into the band insertion hole; a panel engaging portion projecting from the body of the clip and entering the engagement hole; an elastic piece provided in a hitch part of base material; a locking claw protruding from the elastic piece and engaging with the latching hole; and a pressure protrusion provided in the band section. If the band section, which is inserted in the insertion hole, moves in the direction of removal of the insertion hole, the pressure protrusion presses on the elastic piece in the direction that releases the latch between the locking claw and the latch. coupling hole.

JP 2011 094682 A discloses a wire harness retaining clip that can be mounted even in a narrow space. The cable harness securing clip consists of a tree part which is fixed to a cable harness and which can be inserted into a mounting hole from a tip side, a locking part being provided on the tip side of the cable harness. the tree part which blocks the peripheral edge on an opposite side on an insertion side of the mounting hole, a frame-shaped bearing part that comes into contact with a peripheral edge on the insertion side of the mounting hole and a pair of elastic bellows-shaped deformable parts which are extensible / retractable in a direction along the tree part and are placed holding the mounting hole between a wire-holding part and the supporting part in order to that face each other.

US 2004/0265094 A1 discloses a two-part fastening device for holding together first and second members having an opening. The two-part fastening device comprises a base having elastically inclined legs facing away from each other and which can be inserted through the opening. A slide slides manually in relation to the base to control the position of the legs. The slider has a first position in relation to the base in which the locking portions of the legs are in a locking position to block the withdrawal of the legs through the opening. In a second position, the slide blocks the movement towards the inside of the legs, thus blocking the withdrawal of the clamping device. In a third position, the slide keeps the legs inward, thus allowing the removal of the clamping device.

EP 1 277 975 A2 discloses a two-part fastening device for clamping together the first and second members having an opening. The fastening device comprises a base having a plurality of legs elastically inclined outwardly away from each other and insertable through the opening. A knob connected to the base can be rotated manually in relation to the base to control the position of the bases.

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

legs. The knob has a first rotational position relative to the base on which the legs locking portions are in a locking position to block the removal of the legs through the opening. In a second rotational position, the knob blocks the inward movement of the locking portions of the legs from the locking position, thereby blocking removal of the clamping device. In a third rotational position, the knob keeps the locking portions of the legs inwardly from the locking position, thereby allowing removal of the clamping device.

US 2007/044990 A1 discloses an automotive cable fastening system for fitting a vehicle body to a cable that is connected at one end of a locking mechanism to a backrest of the rear seat and at the other end to a mechanism of liberation. The automotive cable fastening system includes a support for securing an end of the cable and an insertion opening in the vehicle body in which the support is inserted, in which the support has provided on it support surfaces that they rest on the inner circumferential surfaces of the insertion opening, a latching part extends more outwardly than the bearing surfaces in a position that is further inwards than the insertion opening in the interior of the vehicle body and a clip part disposed on the side opposite the engaging part in the interior of the vehicle body.

Summary of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved fastening device that can be used to group together two or more articles.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a fastening device as described above including a head of fastening device that is specifically adapted for insertion fitted through an opening in an automotive panel for the purpose of fastening fixed way the fastening device to the panel.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a fastening device as described above which is designed to allow the head of the fastening device to be easily removed from the automotive panel and reused, as necessary.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a fastening device as described above having a limited number of parts, be easy to use and inexpensive to manufacture.

Accordingly, as a feature of the present invention, there is provided a fastening device comprising (a) a locking head shaped to include an elongate belt acceptance channel, the head comprising a locking pin that is arranged to protrude in the belt acceptance channel, (b) a belt having a first end and a second end, the first end formed in the head, the belt being dimensioned for insertion in the belt acceptance channel such that the cable tie forms a closed loop, the strap adapted to be engaged by the locking pin when the strap is formed in a closed loop, and (c) an insertion fastening device formed in at least one of the head and the strap, the insertion fastening device comprising, (i) a platform shaped to define a transverse opening, (ii) a support member formed on the platform, and (iii) a first retaining wing pivotably coupled to the support member, wherein at least a portion of the first retention wing extends through the transverse opening in the platform.

As another feature of the present invention, there is provided an insertion fastening device comprising (a) a platform shaped to define a transverse opening, (b) a support member formed on the platform, and (c) a first wing of retainer pivotally coupled to the support member, wherein at least a portion of the first retention wing extends through the transverse opening in the platform.

Other characteristics and advantages will appear below from the description. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that are part of the same, and in which is shown by way of illustration, an embodiment for practicing the invention. The embodiment will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be used and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is better defined by the appended claims.

Brief description of the drawings

In the drawings, in which similar reference numbers represent similar parts:

Figures 1 (a) - (c) are a series of fragmentary side views of a cable tie of the prior art with an arrowhead clamping device, the cable clamp being shown in various stages of insertion of its

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

arrowhead clamping device through an opening in a panel, the panel being shown in cross section;

Figure 2 is a front view of a cable tie cable constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a left side view of the cable tie shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a bottom view of the cable tie shown in Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a fragmented and enlarged bottom view of the cable tie shown in Figure 2;

Figure 6 is a fragmented and enlarged perspective from below of the cable tie shown in Figure 2;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary and enlarged left side perspective view of the cable tie shown in Figure 2;

Figure 8 is a fragmented and enlarged top view of the cable tie shown in Figure 2;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary and enlarged left side perspective view of the cable tie shown in Figure 2;

Figure 10 is a fragmentary and enlarged right side perspective view of the cable tie shown in Figure 2;

Figure 11 is a perspective view, fragmented and enlarged, of the cable tie shown in Figure 2;

Figure 12 is a fragmentary and enlarged left side view of the cable tie shown in Figure 2;

Figure 13 is an end perspective view, fragmented and enlarged, of the cable tie shown in Figure 2, the cable tie being fixed to a panel;

Figure 14 (a) is a fragmented and enlarged front view of the cable tie shown in Figure 13;

Figure 14 (b) is a fragmented sectional view of the cable tie shown in Figure 14 (a), taken along lines 14 (b) -14 (b), the cable tie being shown fixed to a panel;

Figure 15 (a) is a fragmented and enlarged front view of the cable tie shown in Figure 13; and Figure 15 (b) is a fragmented sectional view of the cable tie shown in Figure 15 (a), taken along lines 15 (b) -15 (b), the cable tie being shown fixed to a panel.

Detailed description of the invention

Referring now to Figures 2-4, there is shown a cable tie constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the cable tie being generally identified by the reference numeral 111. The present invention also recognizes that the present invention does not It is limited to a cable tie and contemplates the use of any type of fastening device. In one embodiment, the cable tie 111 can be formed in a closed loop configuration in order, among other things, to group a plurality of parallel wires. In turn, the cable tie 111 can be fixedly fixed to an automotive panel or other similar structure. As will be explained in more detail below, the cable tie 111 is specifically designed to facilitate the intact removal of the cable tie 111 from an automotive panel to which it is attached. As a result, the cable tie 111 is specifically suitable for reuse, which is a main feature of the present invention.

The securing device or cable tie 111 is a unitary member comprising an elongated strap 113, a pawl 115 formed on one end of the elongate strap 113, and an opening head 117 formed on the pawl 115. As will be described in detail below , the specific construction of the opening head 117 facilitates the reuse of the cable tie 111 and, as such, serves as a main feature of the present invention.

Preferably, the fastening device or cable tie 111 or any other type of similar fastening device is constructed from a resilient and low cost plastic material, such as nylon, using conventional molding techniques. However, it should be understood that the fastening device or cable tie 111 could be manufactured using a wide variety of alternative materials without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The belt 113 is constructed as an elongate flexible band having a rectangular shape, generally uniform in the lateral cross section along most of its length. However, it should be understood that the belt 113 could be constructed in alternative shapes and configurations without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Belt 113 comprises a first end 119, a second end 121, a substantially planar front surface 123, a lower surface 125 and a pair of longitudinally extending opposite side members or rails 127-1 and 127-2. As seen more clearly in Figures 5-7, a plurality of ratchet-shaped teeth 129 are formed integrally on the lower surface 125 along most of its length, with each tooth 129 extending laterally across the surface lower 125 between side members 127-1 and 127-2. As will be explained below, the teeth 129 are designed to be sequentially engaged by the pawl 115 when a clamping device such as a cable tie 111 is formed in a closed loop.

As seen more clearly in Figures 5-9, the ratchet 115 is constructed as a rectangular, elongated block or buckle, which is shaped to include a front wall 131, a rear wall 133, an inner end wall 135, a wall of outer end 137, a left side wall 139, and a side wall

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

right 141, which together define an elongated belt acceptance channel 143 extending through the pawl 115 from the front wall 131 to the rear wall 133.

As can be seen, the first end 119 of the belt 113 is integrally formed on the outer surface of the inner end wall 135 and extends, generally, orthogonally outwardly thereof. Furthermore, the elongated channel 143 is, in general, rectangular in cross section and is appropriately sized to receive in a tight manner a section of the belt 113 when the holding device 111 is formed in a closed loop.

The locking pawl 115 further comprises a locking mechanism 145 which is pivotally coupled to the inner surface of the outer end wall 137 along the front wall 131. The locking mechanism 145 of the pawl 115 is oriented in a natural manner to protrude into the elongated channel 143 and selectively engage the belt 113 when it is inserted into the pawl 115, as will be explained below.

The locking mechanism 145 of the ratchet 115 is represented herein as a generally block-shaped member that includes a plurality of ratchet-shaped teeth 147 formed towards its free end 149. As can be seen, the cable tie 111 it is designed in such a way that multiple teeth 147 in the locking mechanism 145 engage the corresponding teeth 129 in the belt 113 to maximize the strength of the engagement between the pawl 115 and the belt 113 when formed in a closed loop configuration. However, it should be understood that alternative styles of ratchets, such as relatively flat, flat members, can be used in place of the ratchet 115 without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Referring now to Figures 5-12, the opening head 117 is integrally formed on the outer end wall 137 of the pawl 115. As will be explained in detail below, the opening head 117 is designed to be inserted manually into an opening. in an automotive panel or other similar flattened surface for fixedly securing a cable bundle with harnesses by means of a cable tie 111 thereto. Furthermore, as a main feature of the present invention, the opening head 117 is provided with means for releasing the head 117 of an automotive panel to which it is coupled, the release means being accessible from either side of the automotive panel.

The opening head 117 comprises a substantially flat platform or base 151 which is integrally formed on the outer end wall 137 of the pawl 115 and extends orthogonally outwardly thereof. The platform 151 includes a substantially planar front surface 153, which is recessed slightly below the front wall 131 of the head 115, and a substantially flat rear surface 155, which is, in general, flush with the rear wall 133 of the pawl 115 The platform 151 is further shaped to define a central, generally rectangular, opening extending through the front surface 153 to the rear surface 155. As will be explained below, the inclusion of the opening 157 facilitates the release of the opening head 117 from either side of a panel to which it is fixed.

The opening head 117 further includes a support member 159, which is formed on the rear surface 155 of the platform 151 over the opening 157, and a pair of opposing panel retaining wings or vanes 161-1 and 161-2, which are formed on the support member 159 and are capable of a pivot deviation with respect thereto. Together, the support member 159 and the wings 161 are appropriately dimensioned for tight fitting through a corresponding opening in an automotive panel, the wings 161 engaging the panel to retain the holding device 117 fixedly thereto, as will be explained later.

As seen more clearly in Figures 6, 7 and 11, the support member 159 is represented in this case as a rigid, generally U-shaped structure that includes a pair of separate parallel arms 163-1 and 163- 2 which are integrally formed on and extend orthogonally outwardly from the rear surface 155 of the platform 151 on opposite sides of the opening 157. A horizontal cross member 165 is integrally formed and laterally extended through the free ends of the arms 163 -1 and 163-2 to provide the support member 159 with its U-shaped configuration.

The detent wings 161-1 and 161-2 are hingedly coupled to the cross member 165 and extend outward in opposite directions. It should be understood that each wing 161 is capable of pivoting inward upon receiving a suitable inward compression force. Upon removal of the inner force, each retention wing 161 is constructed to elastically pivot back outward and return to its original orientation. In this way, the wings 161 are designed to deviate inwardly to the extent necessary to penetrate through, and subsequently engage in, an automotive panel. Subsequently, if the clamping device 117 is compressed in order to allow its release from the panel, the elastic construction of the wings 161 allows the clamping device 117 to return to its original configuration and, therefore, be available for reuse. in similar applications.

As seen more clearly in figures 6, 7, 11 and 12, each retention wing 161 is constructed as an elongate blade, generally triangular, which is hingedly coupled in one of its corners to the cross member 165.

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

The wings 161-1 and 161-2 are shaped to include inward curved, or concave, surfaces 167-1 and 167-2, respectively. Each back surface 167 is exposed and suitably shaped to serve as a finger recess surface on which the user can apply a manual force to pivot each corresponding wing 161 inward and thereby collapse the width of the clamping device 117.

Wings 161-1 and 161-2 are also shaped to include a series of steps, or ratchets, 169-1 and 169-2, respectively. Each set of steps 169 is formed on the outer surface of its corresponding wing 161 and is designed to engage the part of an automotive panel that immediately defines the opening through which the opening head 117 is inserted, as shown. more in detail below. As can be appreciated, the use of the multiple steps 169 allows the wings 161 to be used within the panel openings of different dimensions.

The wings 161-1 and 161-2 are further shaped to include elongate release arms 171-1 and 171-2, respectively. Each release arm 171 is constructed as an elongated bar, generally rectangular, which is formed on the distal end of its corresponding wing 161 and which extends vertically upwards therefrom. As seen more clearly in Figures 9-12, the arms 171-1 and 171-2 protrude upwards in a generally parallel relationship and extend completely through the opening 157 in the platform 151. In this way , the free ends 173-1 and 173-2 of the arms 171-1 and 171-2, respectively, are positioned above the front surface 153 of the platform 151 and, therefore, allow the user to manipulate the orientation of the the wings 161 from the front of the tie 111, which is highly desirable.

It should be noted that the wings 161 are laterally offset from one another (ie, such that the arcuate path through which each wing 161 pivots does not intersect the arcuate path of the opposite wing 161). As a result, the wings 161 are not only fully accessible for molding purposes in multiple directions, but also avoid the risk of interference with each other during routine use.

As seen more clearly in Figures 5-8, a pair of curved spring tabs 175-1 and 175-2 are formed integrally on opposite sides of the back surface 155. Each spring tab 175 extends along an arched path and is curved downwards. As will be explained below, each spring tab 175 has an elastic construction and is designed to apply a stabilizing retaining force on the front surface of a panel to which the clamping device 117 engages.

As briefly stated above, the tie 111 is specifically well suited for use in packing together a plurality of parallel wires and, in turn, adjusting the beam with harnesses to an automotive panel. As a main feature of the present invention, the tie 111 is designed with multiple means to selectively access and release the opening head 117 of an automotive panel to which it is attached. Once released, the elastic construction of the tie 111 allows its subsequent coupling to it or to an alternative panel.

For purposes of illustration only, the tie 111 is described herein as being used to fix a plurality of parallel wires to an automotive panel. However, it should be noted that the tie 111 does not limit its use to the coupling of a plurality of wires parallel to an automotive panel. Rather, it should be understood that the tie 111 could (i) be wound around (or through openings formed in) other types of articles (ie, not electrical wires) and, in turn, (ii) attached to others types of flat surfaces (ie, other than automotive panels) without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Referring now again to FIGS. 2-4, the tie 111 can be used in the manner mentioned above, first winding the strap 113 around the plurality of parallel wires to engage with each other. Next, the second end 121 of the belt 113 is tensioned, thereby securing the articles together and directing them towards the rear wall 133 of the head 115.

The second end 121 of the belt 113 is then fed through the channel 143 and through the rear wall 133. Due to the tapered front surface of the locking pin 145, the continued insertion of the belt 113 into the channel 143 causes that the ratchet 145 deviates outwards and pivots as necessary in such a way that the first end 121 can exit the channel 143 through the front wall 131.

With the fastening device such as a cable tie 111 formed in a closed loop around the desired articles, it should be understood that any withdrawal force applied on the belt 113 causes one or more teeth 147 in the ratchet 145 to engage with one or more corresponding teeth 129 on the belt 113. As a result, the stay 111 remains firmly retained in its closed loop configuration around the designated beam with a constant and reliable degree of tension.

Referring now to Figures 13, 14 (a), 14 (b), 15 (a) and 15 (b), a series of figures are shown which are useful for understanding the main characteristics and advantages of the cable tie 111 and, in particular, of the head 117. Specifically, having grouped a plurality of wires in the manner set forth above, then the strap 111 can be extractably coupled to an automotive panel 201 by inserting the

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

r 117 opening head through an opening 203 formed therein. Specifically, as seen more clearly in Figure 15 (b), the cross member or point 165 of the opening head 117 is disposed in alignment with the opening 203 and inserted backward in the direction of the front surface 205 of the panel. 201 towards the rear surface 207 of the panel 201, as represented by the arrow I.

As the head 117 is inserted rearwardly through the opening 203, the part of the panel 201 that immediately defines the opening of 203 rests against the rear surfaces 167-1 and 167-2. The backward application of the force applied to the clamping device 117 causes the panel 201 to deflect the retention wings 161 inwardly to the extent necessary so that the wings 161 can at least partially penetrate through the opening 203.

Once the rear surfaces 167 of the wings 161 fully penetrate through the panel 201, the wings 161 pivot outward, or expand, due to their elastic construction. Ultimately, the outward deviation of the wings 161 causes a step 169 on each wing 161 to grip the part of the panel 201 that immediately defines the opening 203, as shown, with the appropriate step 161 being based on the size of the opening 203. The continuous force applied outwardly by each wing 161, due to its elastic construction, serves to retain in a fixed manner the holding device 117 coupled to the panel 201, the spring latches 175 applying an additional retaining force on the the front surface 205 for stabilizing the holding device 117 in place within the opening 203 in the panel 201.

As noted above, a fastening device such as a cable tie 111 is specifically designed to allow release of the opening head 117 from either side of the automotive panel 201. In other words, if the access to one side of the panel 201 is restricted, the clamping device 117 can be released even from the opposite side of the panel 201.

For example, if access to the fastening device such as the cable tie 111 from the front of the panel 201 is limited, the fastening device 117 can be disengaged from the back of the panel 201 by applying an inward compression force on the wings. 161 through the manual depression of the rear surfaces 167-1 and 167-2, as represented by arrows D and D 'respectively. While the compression force is maintained, the clamping device 117 can be removed or removed from the panel 201 by applying a forward pulling force, as represented by the arrow W.

Similarly, if access to the fastening device 111 from the rear panel part 201 is limited, the fastening device 117 can be disengaged from the front of the panel 201 by applying an inward compression force on the release arms 171- 1 and 171-2, as represented by arrows C and C ', respectively. While the compression force is maintained on the release arms 171, the holding device 117 can be removed or removed from the panel 201 by applying a forward pulling force, as represented by the arrow W.

It should be understood that because the ends 173-1 and 173-2 of the arms 171-1 and 171-2, respectively, extend through the opening 157 in the platform 151 beyond the front surface 153, the arms 171 are accessible for manipulation from the front of panel 201, as shown in Figures 14 (b) and 15 (b). Further, because the platform 151 extends orthogonally outwardly from the outer end wall 137, the belt 113 and the head 115 do not block, or otherwise do not interfere with access to the arms 171.

As briefly stated above, the elastic construction of the opening head 117 allows its reuse after it has been manually removed from the panel 201. Accordingly, if a bundle of wires grouped by the tie 111 is removed from the automotive panel 201 to its maintenance or other similar circumstances requiring direct access to the panel 201, the securing device / cable tie 111 can be reattached to the panel 201 once the necessary task is completed. In contrast, conventional braces often need to be sectioned to allow the separation of a wire harness from an automotive panel and, as such, can not be reused in a similar manner.

Claims (17)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 55 60 65 A fastening device (111) comprising: (a) a pawl (115, 145) shaped to include an elongated strap acceptance channel (143), the pawl (115, 145) comprising a locking peg (145) which is arranged to protrude in the acceptance channel of strap (143); (b) a belt (113) having a first end (119) and a second end (121), the first end (119) being formed on the pawl (115), the belt (113) being dimensioned for insertion into the belt acceptance channel (143) in such a way that the holding device (111) forms a closed loop, the belt (113) being adapted to engage with the locking pin (145) when the holding device (111) it is formed in a closed loop; Y (c) an opening head (117) formed on at least one of the pawl (115, 145) and the belt (113), comprising the opening head, (i) a platform (151) shaped to define a transverse aperture (157), (ii) a support member (159) formed on the platform (151), and (iii) a first detent wing (161-1) pivotally coupled to the support member (159), wherein at least a portion of the first retention wing (161-1) extends through the opening cross section (157) on the platform (151), characterized in that the platform (151) is formed on and extends orthogonally outward from an outer end wall (137) of the head (115). The fastening device according to claim 1, the fastening device being constructed as a unitary plastic member. The fastening device according to claim 1, wherein the opening head (117) further comprises a second detent wing (161-2) which is pivotally coupled to the support member (159). The fastening device according to claim 3, wherein the platform (151) includes a substantially planar front surface (153) and a substantially planar rear surface (155). The fastening device according to claim 4, wherein the support member (159) comprises: (a) a pair of parallel arms (163-1, 163-2) that are formed and extend orthogonally outwardly from the rear surface (155) of the platform (151); Y (b) a cross member (165) that extends transversely between the pair of parallel arms (163-1, 163-2). The fastening device according to claim 5, wherein the first and second detent wings (161-1, 161-2) are hingedly connected to the cross member (165) and extend outwardly therefrom. in opposite directions. The fastening device according to claim 6, wherein each of the first and second retaining wings (161-1, 161-2) includes an elongated release arm (171-1, 171-2) , at least a portion of the elongated release arm (171-1, 171-2) extending completely through the transverse opening (157) in the platform (151). The fastening device according to claim 7, wherein the elongated release arm (171-1, 171-2) is in the form of a generally rectangular bar. The fastening device according to claim 7, wherein each of the first and second retaining wings (161-1, 161-2) includes at least one step (169-1, 169-2) that is adapted to selectively engage a flat panel (201) when the interleaved insert fastener is inserted therethrough. 10. The clamping device according to claim 9, wherein each of the first and second retention wings (161-1, 161-2) includes an externally exposed recess surface (167-1, 167-2). ) for a manual deviation. The fastening device according to claim 7, wherein the pawl (115, 145) includes a front wall (131), a rear wall (133), an inner end wall (135), the wall of outer end (137) and a pair of side walls (139, 141) which together define the elongated channel (143). 5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 The fastening device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the belt (113) is in the form of an elongate flexible strip comprising a front surface (123) and a bottom surface (125). The fastening device according to claim 12, wherein a plurality of ratchet-shaped teeth (129) are formed on the lower surface of the belt (113), the plurality of ratchet-shaped teeth being ( 129) designed to be sequentially engaged by a locking mechanism (145) when the belt (113) is formed in a closed loop. 14. An opening head comprising: (a) a platform (151) shaped to define a transverse aperture (157); (b) a support member (159) formed on the platform (151), the support member (159) comprising a pair of parallel arms (163-1, 163-2) that are formed on and extend orthogonally outwardly from a rear surface (155) of the platform (151) and a cross member (165) extending transversely between the pair of parallel arms (163-1, 163-2); (c) a first detent wing (161-1) pivotally coupled to the support member (159), wherein at least a portion of the first retention wing (161-1) extends through the opening cross section (157) on the platform (151); Y (d) a second detent wing (161-2) that is pivotally coupled to the support member (159), with each of the first and second retention wings (161-1, 161-2) having an original orientation and each of the first and second detent wings (161-1, 161-2) including an elongated release arm (171-1, 171-2) with a free end (173-1, 173-2) and the free ends (173-1, 173-2) placed on top of a front surface (153) of the platform (151), with at least part of the elongated release arm (171-1, 171-2) extending through of the transverse opening (157) on the platform (151); wherein each of the first and second detent wings (161-1, 161-2) pivots inward upon receiving an inward compression force, and upon removal of the compression force inwards, each retention wing (161-1, 161-2) pivots back to the original orientation and the first retention wing (161-1) and the second retention wing (161-2) move laterally one with respect to the other. 15. The opening head according to claim 14, the opening head being constructed as a unitary plastic member. 16. The opening head according to claim 14 or 15, wherein both the front surface (153) and the rear surface (155) of the platform (151) are substantially planar. 17. The opening head according to at least one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the first and second detent wings (161-1, 161-2) are hingedly connected to the cross member (165) and they extend outward from it in opposition.